The best thing about soup, is that it can be prepared easily and does not need much skill. What’s more you can make a soup out of anything – leftover vegetables or pieces of meat or fish or a combination of two or more of these.
Just put together a few things in a big pot, add sufficient water or stock and let them simmer away till well cooked. And while the soup pot is bubbling away you can escape from the kitchen and do something else – watch your favorite show on the TV or listen to music or read a book. The amount of water can be altered according to your need – add more liquid if you want a thin soup or less liquid if you want a thick soup. Add seasonings as per your taste and ladle out bowlfuls.
Soups are a palpable choice all year long – whether it is summer, winter or monsoon. There is a soup for every season. A bowl of hot soup on a chilly rainy day is what bliss really is about. From thick rich Indian shorbas to classic Chinese soups there are arrays of soups you can pick from on cold days.
Indian Soups - A simple dal/ lentil soup with mixed vegetables and spices or a rich mutton paya soup or shorbas made with veggies ranging from spinach and mushroom to cauliflower and sweet potato – the options are endless. South Indian style rasams, stews and saars also make a great soup option.
Chinese soups -These are a universal favorite. Right from veggie loaded soups like manchow and hot and sour to ones like sweet corn soup and egg drop tomato soups – most Chinese soups are easy to make. You just need to prep your veggies and sauces before you start tossing them in a wok, add some stock and boil till the flavors are well combined. You might also want to add some corn starch if you want a soup of thicker consistency.
When it comes to hot summer days soups make a light and refreshing meal. You can make a clear soup with your choice of spring vegetables and protein. You can also try making chilled soups like the famous Spanish Gazpacho, which is made by blending a mix of vegetables and served col. Tomato, watermelon, cucumber and almonds are common ingredients with which to make a soup. Cold yogurt based soups are also a great option for summer days.
Besides the comforting factor, soups are also great for you because they are highly nutritious and easy to make. The best part about homemade soups is that you can alter the soup to your preference and taste. All the soups mentioned, Chinese soup, international stew or an Indian shorba, give you ample freedom to tweak the recipes. You can also use a number of side dishes like vegetable sticks, croutons, bread sticks and salads, etc. and make a complete meal out of it.